The lights went out in Roma on Saturday night but someone has definitely switched them on at the NSW Waratahs after their horror 2021.
Sting in defence, attacking plans...there was plenty to like in the 21-14 trial win over the Queensland Reds.
1 Lights Off, Lights On
The kick-off to the trial in Roma was delayed by 80 minutes because of a power outage which meant twilight faded into darkness.
There was a real chance the trial might be called off until some country ingenuity got the lights powered up. The bigger job has been done by new coach Darren Coleman to turn on the lights at the Waratahs.
The whole camp has been reinvigorated and the Tahs care again.
2 40 Minutes Without Conceding A Try
The Waratahs conceded 40 tries during the five games of their horror Super Rugby Trans-Tasman campaign last year.
They didn’t concede a point in the first 40 minutes in Roma. It’s serious progress.
There were big, decisive tackles too. Izzy Perese drove Filipo Daugunu back 10m and James Ramm stopped Fraser McReight in his tracks. There was the alertness missing in the dead eyes of 2021 because Mark Nawaqanitawase saved a try with a tackle from behind over the tryline to rattle the ball loose from Spencer Jeans.
Jason Gilmore is in charge of defence but Coleman has ignited the care factor.
3 The Tupou Factor
The Reds scrum was again uninspiring until Taniela Tupou came on to start pushing the NSW scrum around in the second half.
It’s a concern for the Reds although they were heartened by the strong return of hooker Alex Mafi after a calf injury.
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4 Positional Puzzles
The Reds ran fullback-winger Jock Campbell at flyhalf for a spell after halftime. Finding backups for James O’Connor is vital.
Jordan Petaia got his chance at fullback for 40 minutes. He surged into the line. Petaia looked really sharp which is a great positive entering the new Super Rugby Pacific season.
Alex Newsome also relished his time at fullback for the Waratahs and was involved in the first two tries.
5 Country Rugby
When you see 2500 fans lapping up a trial in Roma and the house full sign on all 22 motels in Roma you have a winner.
The trial was part of the broader Santos Festival of Rugby with men’s and women’s sevens tournaments over two days. It’s great to see such goodwill built in the bush. Back to Narrabri in 2023.
